A serious incident involving an airline crew member and a traveler has led to a police case at the capital's main airport. An Air India Express pilot now faces legal action after being accused of physically assaulting a passenger at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in Delhi.
Details of the Airport Altercation
The event unfolded on the evening of Sunday, April 14. According to the First Information Report (FIR) registered by the Delhi Police, the confrontation took place near the boarding gate for a flight. The complainant, a passenger scheduled to travel, alleged that the pilot, identified as Captain Manik Sethi, engaged in aggressive behavior.
The FIR states that the pilot allegedly slapped the passenger during the argument. The dispute reportedly began over a matter related to the boarding process, though the exact trigger is under investigation. The police acted on the passenger's formal complaint, leading to the registration of the case.
Legal and Airline Response
Following the complaint, the Delhi Police have registered an FIR under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code pertaining to assault. This legal step initiates a formal probe into the conduct of the pilot. The incident raises significant concerns about the interface between airline staff and passengers, especially in the sensitive pre-boarding area.
When contacted, a spokesperson for Air India Express acknowledged awareness of the incident. The airline stated that they are conducting an internal investigation into the matter. They emphasized that they are cooperating with the authorities and will take appropriate action based on the findings. The airline reiterated its commitment to passenger safety and courteous service.
Broader Implications for Aviation Conduct
This episode highlights the critical importance of maintaining professionalism and restraint in customer-facing roles within the aviation industry. Assault allegations against a flight crew member, particularly a pilot in command, are rare and severe. The outcome of the police investigation and the airline's internal inquiry will be closely watched.
Passenger rights groups have often stressed the need for clear protocols to handle disputes at airports without escalation. This incident serves as a reminder for airlines to ensure robust training for all staff in conflict de-escalation and customer service, especially in high-pressure environments like airports.
The Delhi Police are expected to gather statements from witnesses and review any available CCTV footage from the vicinity of the boarding gate to establish a clear sequence of events. The pilot's future duties may be subject to the findings of these parallel investigations.
